This is not a trip report, but just quick notes and impressions from the trip. I always ask for Fodorites help and advise on everything, so perhaps my notes would help someone.
1. We absolutely loved the trip
2. We went this route Yangon – Bagan – Kakku/Inle – Loikaw. We really enjoyed all our destinations, as we could see completely different things
3. We booked a trip via Damsel. They booked everything for us – hotels, internal flights, a boat, an air balloon, all transfers. Everything turned out great and run as well-oiled machines. All guides/drivers – were all good. They exceeded my expectations
4. We took Malarone, but we hardly saw any mosquitoes. In Bagan – our local guide told us they did not have a case of malaria for years. I mostly worried about Loikaw, but I do not think it was needed
5. We used Indevy boat on Inle – they are bright red boats, newer and much quieter than usual boats, and seem wider and more stable as well
6. We took an Air Balloon ride with Balloons over Bagan – unforgettable
7. In Bagan we stayed at Aureum Palace Bagan – one of the most gorgeous hotels I ever seen
8. In Bagan – we spent day and a half exploring temples by car. and took a boat to a temple by Irrawaddy. We hired a horse cart for 2 hours only before sunset. It was a very nice for a short time, but it would be uncomfortable for a full day of exploration in my opinion
9. We had an option of taking a day trip to Salay or exploring rural temples, and we chose to go to Salay. We visited local very authentic village on the way, stopped at a market, and saw Salay. We really enjoyed our day overall, but Salay itself was just OK for us.
10. We stayed at Inle Princess resort on Inle – beautiful! However, no TV in rooms and outdoor shower may not be that useful as it gets cold in the morning and at night.
11. Around Inle – we visited Kakku, spent time at Pa O festival, visited usual places on the lake, including Indein and Sagar, saw 5 days market in one of the villages, and we did not visit a single shop except where they make scarfs from lotus – all good
12. We did 5-6 hours trekking around Inle – outstanding! We did not see a single tourist, but a lot of local and religious life.
13. We had a boat/car transfer from Inle to Loikaw with some stops – nice trip, no issues
14. In Loikaw – we spent two days visiting tribes – the best experience of this sort of all travels. Everything is still very authentic, no souvenirs sold in villages, no money asked for photos. Just great… Unfortunately, I had a freaky accident in one of the villages, and hurt my leg, but was lucky enough I could still walk.
15. Yangon – we stayed at Savoy – really liked it. Visited Shwedagon twice – in the afternoon/sunset and in the morning. Fantastic! Not much else in Yangon.
We also spent a few days in Hong Kong on this trip, so overall – great two weeks.
Here is link to some of my photos, if anyone interested

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Please ask if any questions.

Thanks for the report! I’ll be in Yangon in a month for 2 days as part of a cruise and my wife and I are trying to figure out what to wear during the day when we’ll be sightseeing. Long sleeve shirts and long pants to keep the sun and mosquitoes at bay, or T-shirts and shorts? I know we’ll need to cover up if we visit any temples.

Dcd, I am no expert on what to wear, but we wore long bottoms and short sleeve tops with covered shoulders.

I did not see many people wear shorts

Great and informative post. Thank you. And awesome photos!

Thanks, Helen.

And killer photos! Did you ask permission before taking the people shots?

Thank you, Lazahra and Dcd!

Yes, I asked for a permission to take pictures of people, and they were very friendly, and liked their pictures taken.

Sometimes, people even asked me to take their pictures and then show them in camera how they came out.

Thanks for the great info! I'm wondering about your international flights and how many days you spent in each place.